To save their building, the First Parish Church in Dorchester is selling off a unique piece of American history.

The church was founded in 1630, and their most recent church was constructed in 1896. However, it is in need of serious repair, according Reverend Art Lavoie.

“The architectural assessment we had done a year and a half ago informed us that we needed to raise $5.2 million,” said Lavoie.

So, they are selling 27 pieces of a silver collection that dates back to their very beginning — beakers, chalices and tankards that were donated by some of the first families who came from England as part of the church.

Reverend Lavoie said it was a tough decision.

“If the building fell down while we had this silver over sitting in a vault that wasn’t gonna help the church’s mission,” said Lavoie.

The silver won’t raise all the money needed, but gives them a start. It will be sold by Sotheby’s of New York on Jan. 20.